The San Francisco 49ers are heading into Week 15 with a few roster decisions that reflect both caution and long-term planning - especially when it comes to their defensive front. Despite early signs pointing to a possible return, Yetur Gross-Matos won’t be suiting up this weekend.
The defensive lineman, who’s been sidelined since earlier in the season, practiced Friday and looked like he might be ready. But head coach Kyle Shanahan ultimately decided to hold him out, signaling the team wants Gross-Matos to clear a full week of practice before throwing him back into game action.
It’s a move that prioritizes durability over urgency - and with the playoffs on the horizon, that’s a smart play.
Gross-Matos isn’t the only player the Niners will be without on Sunday. Shanahan ruled out five others:
- LB Tatum Bethune (ankle)
- DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle)
- LB Nick Martin (concussion)
- LB Eric Kendricks (calf)
- QB Kurtis Rourke (knee)
Outside of Rourke, none of these players logged any practice time this week, so their absence doesn’t come as a shock. Still, that’s a significant chunk of depth missing at linebacker, and it could test the 49ers’ defensive rotation - especially if the game turns into a physical battle in the trenches.
On the brighter side, Christian McCaffrey was back in action on Friday after missing Thursday’s session due to illness. He’s off the injury report and ready to go, which is huge for San Francisco’s offense.
McCaffrey remains the engine of this attack, and his availability instantly changes the dynamic of any game. Kyle Juszczyk has also been cleared, giving the Niners their full backfield versatility heading into the weekend.
There was also a small but notable development on the wide receiver front. Jacob Cowing was spotted working on the side during practice.
While he’s not quite ready to return, Shanahan indicated that he’s “getting close” and just needs to clear a few more benchmarks before the team opens his practice window. It’s a wait-and-see situation, but it sounds like the rookie wideout is trending in the right direction.
As for the Tennessee Titans, their injury report includes several key names, with a few still up in the air heading into Sunday:
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles) - Out
- C Lloyd Cushenberry III (foot) - Questionable
- OT Dan Moore Jr. (neck) - Questionable
- **DE C.J.
Ravenell (toe)** - Questionable
- LB James Williams (illness) - Questionable
- G Kevin Zeitler (groin) - Questionable
The Titans’ injury situation is one to monitor, especially along the offensive line. If Cushenberry or Moore can’t go, it could spell trouble for Tennessee’s protection schemes - and that’s not the kind of problem you want against a 49ers pass rush that can still bring heat even without Gross-Matos.
Bottom line: San Francisco is being smart with its health management, keeping the long game in mind. With McCaffrey back and the offense near full strength, they’re in a good spot.
Defensively, they’ll need to get creative with some depth pieces missing, but the coaching staff has shown it can adapt. This week is about staying sharp, staying healthy, and setting the tone for the final stretch.